Over the past two years of being a Fitbit Ambassador one of the first questions someone asks me is what is the difference between the devices? Now I’m more than happy to sit down with someone and chat about the devices. I ask them what they’re looking for in the device and try and figure out what product would best suit them. No… I’m not paid to do this!
So I figured I’d put it all down in writing for others to see. And I was able to get some of my Fitbit loving friends to let me know why they love the device they own. Some of these friends purchased their Fitbit after chatting with me (and doing their own research) so I’m always excited to hear how much they love them.
I’ll give a brief description of each device below and include a link to my review as well as a link taking you to Amazon to purchase them. The Amazon link is an affiliate code. If you don’t want to use it, feel free to bypass it and search Amazon in a separate window. I don’t mind either way. Then at the very end of this post I’ve created a comparison chart for a quick glance at the differences between each device.
Fitbit Zip
The Fitbit Zip is a great starter device for someone looking to track steps but isn’t looking for all of the frills of the other devices. It was what I started out with and how I fell in love with the Fitbit brand. It clips onto your pants (or bra) and is battery charged. You can find the batteries it takes at any local electronics store and the battery lasts forever!
Here’s what my friend Laura had to say:
“I have had the Fit Bit Zip for about 8 months now. I love the convenience of the smaller Fit Bit. I thought I might rather have the Flex, as I was interested in the Sleep Mode functionality. So far, for the price, this has been the perfect tool for my needs. I am in love with the ability to compete against my friends on the FitBit online application. It has really increased my steps and made me more conscious of my activity. I think the FitBit Zip is a perfect compliment to my fitness regimen and the price is certainly reasonable!”
Here’s everything it can do:
- Tracks steps, distance and calories burned.
- Wirelessly syncs to computers and select smartphones.
- Replaceable battery, lasts 4-6-months.
- Sweat, rain, and splash-proof.
The Zip includes the clip, wireless sync dongle, battery tool and battery. The zip comes in 5 different colors. You can purchase different clip colors for your Zip to switch out.
Fitbit One
The Fitbit One is the Fitbit device I’m currently wearing daily. You can read my review here. Since I really want to get a feel for the steps AND stairs I get in every day I felt as if this was the best device for me right now. But now that the Force is out I’m contemplating upgrading!
My friends LOVE the One.
“I have Fitbit one and love it! I was a weight watcher person but could never move past my plateau. With (the Fitbit) one and myfitnesspal I am now the weight I was on my wedding day and still losing a pound a week.” – Katie L.
“I LOVE the Fitbit ONE! It keeps me on track everyday and it keeps my bedtime routine in check. I also love the stair step feature. It is fun to hike with it and see how many flights of stairs I can ‘climb’.” – Carrie M.
Here’s everything it can do:
- Tracks steps, distance, calories burned and stairs climbed.
- Monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm.
- Wirelessly syncs to computers and select smartphones.
- Sweat, rain, and splash proof.
The One also includes clip, wireless sync dongle, charging cable and sleep band. You have two color choices to choose from and can purchase the other clip holder if you prefer to have options.
Fitbit Flex
Now you all know how much I love the Fitbit Flex. I had a sun tan line on my wrist in the shape of a Flex because I wore it so religiously. Since I loved my Flex so much I decided to reach out and ask others why the Flex is their favorite Fitbit. I talk about why I love the Flex in this review post here.
Here’s what they had to say:
“I love that it’s lightweight and isn’t ugly. Also that it’s waterproof and that it can wake me up if I set an alarm. I know that is a lot LOL! #1 maybe that it’s lightweight enough that I don’t even know it’s there.” – Melissa M.
“I am a bit manic with my mileage and steps (using the Fitbit Flex). Getting those silly badges is a motivator for me. Biggest issues – I can’t never remember where I put my charger!” – Sarah B.
“I have the flex and love mine. #1 pro……small and lightweight, easy to wear even with professional attire. #1 con…..can’t easily find the colored bands to switch them out” – Beth D.
Here’s everything it can do:
- Tracks steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes.
- LED lights show progress against your goal.
- Monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm.
- Wear all day and night, even in the shower.
The Flex includes a wristband in two sizes, a charging cable, and wireless sync dongle. There are four wristband colors to choose from. You can also purchase a bundle of different colors to change out the color of your Flex (is great for changing outfits!).
*Note: Device is water resistant, and can be submerged up to 10 meters. While it is water resistant and can be submerged up to 10 meters, Flex is not designed to track swimming activities.
*UPDATE: Fitbit has started to conduct a voluntary recall of the Force and have stopped selling it. For more information check out their website.*
Fitbit Force
The Fitbit Force is the latest device in the Fitbit line. I have yet to test it out personally but cannot wait to see it in action. From what I can tell from the reviews online as well as the product specs, the Force is similar to the Flex in that it can be worn all day and night and is sweat, rain and splash proof. But it also displays your stats as well as the time of day. Basically it’s everything I love about the One and the Flex put together!
Here’s everything it can do:
- Tracks steps, distance, stairs climbed, calories burned and active minutes.
- View stats on your wrist with OLED display, including time of day (clock).
- Monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm.
- Wear all day and night. Sweat, rain and splash proof.
The Force includes a wristband in two sizes, a charging cable, and wireless sync dongle. Unlike the Flex there are only two wristband colors.
If you’re interested in checking out the Force in person and can’t find it available online to purchase, I’d suggest heading to your local Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile. I saw a couple when we were at the mall on Black Friday and almost picked one up! You can always call first as well to save the gas.
What Fitbit would work great for you?
Disclaimer: I am a Fitbit ambassador however this is not a sponsored post. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
I had never even heard of Fitbit. I am needing to get back in shape, asap, so I will be looking into these things!
Thanks for this. I’ve been looking to buy one and this answered a lot of questions that I had.
I’ve wondered this myself – thanks so much for this post!!!
🙂
Wow, I didn’t realize there were so many choices. Thanks for this. Now I can figure out which one I need without jumping from website to website.
I own every Fitbit device (except for the new Force) and while I like not loosing the Flex, I like the One because it counts stairs and I can wear it discreetly. (for instance, I didn’t wear my Flex on my wedding day but would have loved to because I”m sure I burned some serious calories!!)
Such a great invention!!
I never realized there was so many options. I keep hearing good things about FitBit.
How appropriate to get this out right after Thanksgiving! My yoga pants are not even cutting it anymore haha! Looks like a nice little gift I can drop in the stocking!
I have a Polar Loop which sounds a bit like the FitBit Force. I’ve never used a FitBit, but I do love how both products help to keep us accountable!! I love the Step feature!!
Hi, I had the fit bit one but I found that the clip didn’t secure to my clothing very well and I was always losing it. Both my husband and I lost ours because it fell off our clothing. I would like to get another one. Any suggestions to keep it more secure?
I put my Fitbit One on my bra. I’ve never had it fall off. And my husband wears his on his pant pocket but has the One facing inward so all you see is the clip on the outside. Which Fitbit model do you have? Perhaps the Flex or Force would be better for you since they’re on your wrist.
I do water fitness and stationary biking in the cold winter months. Will any of the fit its work for these activities and if not is there a product out there that would meet my needs?
All Fitbit trackers are optimized for walking, running, and general household and lifestyle activities. They are not as accurate for activities like biking, but will record steps if you wear your tracker. Perhaps you could use a heart rate monitor to monitor activity on the bike? I don’t have any experience tracking water fitness, sorry!
LOVE THIS ARTICLE! This is just what I needed to learn about the different types! Thank you for doing this! I want all the above..force flex!
I am on day 4 of Fitbit Flex. I’m almost 69 yrs old, had total knee replacement in April and am walking more that goal everyday. So far I love it, but don’t see anything that monitors my sleep. It looks like I have to input the data the next morning. Am I missing something?
Also, today my battery shows medium, but when I tap my Fitbit it shows a 2 blue lights, 6 times. Is it telling me something? Thank you for your blog. My husband is going to get one and this will help him decide.
Cathy Kirkland WA
You should be able to find on the Fitbit website how to turn on sleep mode when you go to sleep (I believe it’s done with tapping the device) and then when you wake up. I’m not sure what’s up with your battery but Fitbit’s help desk is very helpful if you reach out! They’re awesome to work with. Best of luck!
Thank you, I’ll give it a try tonight and,
call the help desk if that doesn’t work.
My fitbit is showing a good charge, so not pursuing the light thing.
where does the Charge fit in?
I haven’t had a chance to test it out so I cannot give my opinion. Sorry!
I’m very interested in the Fitbit. Does it track running and/or cycling? I like to bike and was wondering if it could track the amount of miles I had biked? Thanks! Awesome post!
I think it’s better at running/walking. Whenever I get on my bike I don’t get an accurate count.